Today’s new poem is by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. It is a tribute to Virgil on the 1,900th anniversary of his death and is an example of how deeply great European writers have been steeped in and influenced by Latin poetry. One of the aims of Pantheon Poets is to give you a better experience of Latin poems recited in the original than translations can provide, even if you don’t know Latin yourself.
Juno’s efforts to sow discord between Aeneas and the Italians are now in full swing, with the able help of the terrifying Fury, Allecto. Visiting King Turnus in disguise, she reveals her true self and sends him wild with anger.
Hear the Latin and follow in English here.
See the illustrated blog post here.
We last saw Goethe revelling in the Roman decor of his study. in this poem to the Moon, he is in a sadder and more tender mood, reflecting sadly on the beauty of nature and the changeability of happiness and affection.
Fighting back against the Greeks who have penetrated the city with the help of the Trojan horse, Aeneas and his men have initial success, but take a decision that will cost them dearly.
Hear Virgil’s Latin and follow in English here.
The latest post from Pantheon Poets is the story of Apollo and Daphne from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. In Ovid’s version, Apollo’s overwhelming love for the reluctant nymph is caused by Cupid as revenge when Apollo has poked fun at his bow, but the consequences for Daphne could not be more serious.
Hear Ovid’s Latin in the original and follow in English here.
See the illustrated blog post here.